Getting used to handling the Eagle One is a little complicated at first. All the buttons on the dual shock are used to pilot the plane, and memorizing the layout is key to winning missions. The Eagle One can toggle between two fly modes with the R1 trigger: Jet Mode and Hover Mode. In Jet Mode the plane flies like normal, whereas in Hover Mode the plane holds a stationary position. The Hover Mode can also be used in missions that require the plane to land. The controls are tight and once you get used to the controls, moving your plane is a no brainer.

There are a good amount of weapons to choose from in Eagle One. Players can choose to blow up enemies with their cannon, rockets, air to air missiles, or air to ground missiles. Throughout missions weapons can be upgraded, and for certain missions you get to use special weapons that cater to the attack plan.

Eagle One doesn't paint a pretty a picture as Ace Combat 3 does, but the graphics are adequate enough to make the missions believable. There isn't much style to the on-screen layout either, but where the game fails in style, it makes up nicely for in substance.

Air combat should have plenty of combat, and Eagle One doesn't disappoint. The first mission starts you off with a dogfight that has players dodging, circling, and finally toasting enemy pilots. The storyline and great music help to add to the intensity of the game. Plus the enemy AI is pretty good, giving you plenty of hits to worry about during gameplay. The first few missions were interesting enough. The second mission has players trying to stop enemy jeeps from entering a town, requiring players to swoop down low and try to fire on several jeeps inching ever closer to the town.

Eagle One was a complete surprise. The gameplay fits nicely with the well-designed missions, and there is plenty of combat to go around. The poor layout of the game might turn players away from the game, but rest assured - the action doesn't disappoint.